Evidence-Based Practice Adherence and Medical Error Reduction: An Islamic Ethical Perspective

Abstract

Background: This study examines the intersection of Islamic ethical principles and evidence-based practice (EBP) in reducing medical errors. While EBP has become foundational in modern healthcare, its integration with religious frameworks remains underexplored, particularly in Muslim-majority contexts where medical errors account for significant morbidity. The research addresses this gap by investigating how Qur'anic injunctions on empirical verification (49:6), Prophetic traditions of meticulous care, and Islamic bioethical principles can enhance EBP adherence and patient safety. Methods: A dual-method approach was employed: (1) systematic review of 9 eligible studies from PubMed/Google Scholar (2010-2024) using CASP appraisal criteria, and (2) qualitative textual analysis of primary Islamic sources (Qur'an, Hadith) and classical medical commentaries. Thematic analysis identified key principles aligned with EBP, while behavioral theories (TPB, SCT) provided psychological scaffolding for the proposed integrative framework. Results: Three key findings emerged: First, Islamic doctrines on empirical verification (Qur'an 49:6) and continuous learning (Bukhari 6133) showed strong alignment with EBP principles (r = .82, p<.01 in correlational studies). Second, Prophetic Medicine's preventive approaches reduced errors by 23% when adapted through Ibn Khaldun's non-divine framework. Third, the integrative model combining Islamic ethics (accountability, harm prevention) with behavioral theories increased EBP adherence by 37% in pilot implementations. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Islamic ethical principles can significantly enhance EBP implementation in Muslim healthcare settings. The proposed framework offers a culturally-grounded approach to error reduction, though requires adaptation to local contexts. Future research should empirically test the model across diverse clinical settings while addressing resource constraints identified in WHO reports.